Sideboards have earned their place as one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in British homes. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace, a modern flat, or a countryside cottage, a sideboard offers both practical storage and an opportunity to display cherished items. From hallways to dining rooms and living spaces, these pieces adapt to different rooms and purposes with ease.
At Furniture in Fashion, we understand the unique needs of UK homeowners. Our collection spans a variety of styles, materials, and sizes, all available with free UK delivery. This guide will help you navigate the key considerations when choosing a sideboard that suits your home and lifestyle.
British homes often present interesting spatial challenges. Period properties may have alcoves, chimney breasts, and narrow hallways, while newer builds tend to feature open plan layouts. Before purchasing a sideboard, measure your available space carefully. Consider not just the width, but also the depth. A sideboard that protrudes too far into a walkway can disrupt the flow of a room.
Compact sideboards measuring around 100cm to 120cm work well in smaller spaces or as accent pieces. Medium sized options between 140cm and 160cm suit most dining rooms comfortably. Larger sideboards exceeding 180cm make a statement in generous living areas but require proportionate room dimensions to avoid overwhelming the space.
The material of your sideboard influences both its appearance and longevity. Wooden sideboards remain enduringly popular, offering warmth and character. Oak, walnut, and pine each bring distinct grain patterns and tones. Solid wood pieces tend to age gracefully, developing a patina over time.
High gloss sideboards suit contemporary interiors, reflecting light and creating an impression of space. These finishes require regular cleaning to maintain their lustre but deliver a sleek, modern aesthetic. For those seeking an industrial edge, metal sideboards or combinations of metal and wood provide a distinctive look.
Consider how you intend to use your sideboard. Dining room sideboards typically store tableware, table linens, and serving pieces. Look for adjustable shelves that accommodate items of varying heights. Drawers prove invaluable for cutlery, candles, and smaller accessories.
Living room sideboards might house media equipment, books, or board games. Ensure any cables can be routed discreetly if you plan to place a television or sound system on top. Some sideboards feature dedicated cable management holes for this purpose.
Hallway sideboards often serve as catch all stations for keys, post, and everyday essentials. A combination of open shelving and closed cupboards helps maintain a tidy appearance while keeping frequently used items accessible.
Your sideboard should complement the existing character of your room. Traditional homes with period features often pair well with classic wooden designs featuring panelled doors and turned legs. Mid century modern interiors suit sideboards with tapered legs and clean horizontal lines.
Scandinavian inspired spaces call for light woods and minimal ornamentation. Industrial lofts benefit from raw metal frames and reclaimed timber. Contemporary apartments work well with high gloss finishes in white, grey, or black. Browse our living room furniture collection to see how different styles might work in your space.
Once you have selected your sideboard, placement matters. In dining rooms, position it within easy reach of the dining table for convenient serving. Allow sufficient clearance for doors and drawers to open fully. Leave a gap between the sideboard and the wall if radiators sit behind to allow heat circulation.
Consider the surface height in relation to artwork or mirrors you plan to hang above. A general guideline suggests leaving 15cm to 20cm between the top of the sideboard and the bottom of any wall mounted piece. This creates visual breathing room without the two elements feeling disconnected.
Maintenance requirements vary by material. Wooden sideboards benefit from occasional polishing with appropriate wax or oil. Avoid placing hot dishes directly on the surface and use coasters for drinks. High gloss finishes clean easily with a soft, damp cloth followed by a dry microfibre cloth to prevent streaking.
Position your sideboard away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or discolouration over time. This is particularly important for darker woods and painted finishes that may bleach unevenly when exposed to prolonged UV light.
The terms are often used interchangeably in the UK. Traditionally, a buffet tends to be taller and may include an upper display section, while a sideboard sits lower with a flat top surface. Both serve similar storage functions in dining and living spaces.
Prices vary considerably based on materials, construction, and design. Solid wood sideboards typically command higher prices than veneered or engineered alternatives. We offer a range of options across different price points, with many pieces available in our furniture sale section.
Absolutely. Compact and narrow designs suit smaller spaces well. Consider a sideboard with legs rather than a plinth base, as the visible floor space beneath creates an illusion of openness. Mirrored or high gloss finishes also help reflect light in confined areas.
Popular styling choices include table lamps, vases with fresh or dried flowers, framed photographs, decorative objects, and artwork propped against the wall. Keep arrangements balanced but not cluttered. An odd number of items often creates a more pleasing composition.
Consider your storage needs. Drawers work well for smaller items and offer easy visibility of contents. Doors conceal larger or less attractive items and create a cleaner look. Many sideboards combine both, offering versatility for different storage requirements.
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